Austria, Hungary press for Balkan EU integration

(VIENNA) - Austria and Hungary pushed Thursday for fast EU integration of the western Balkan states in a joint cabinet meeting.

"Quick EU membership of Croatia and a European perspective for the other western Balkan countries are vital for our two states," emphasised Austria's Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in a press release.

Twenty or so ministers from both countries met south of Vienna, at the Hungarian Esterhazy family's castle at Eisenstadt. Emphasis was also on the relations between the two countries that formed the Austro-Hungarian empire between 1867 and 1918.

Speaking alongside Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, Hungary's Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai stressed their "goodneighbourly relations", which he said were "a model for Europe".

Bajnai referred to cooperation on environment and transport projects, in particular the extension of the railway links between the two countries.

Austria pledged its support for Hungary when it takes up the rotating EU presidency, currently held by Sweden, at the start of 2011.

Banjai underlined that the "Austrian connection" had always been very important for Hungary and he reiterated the crucial role played by Austrian banks in funding Hungarian businesses and citizens' needs, especially during the current economic crisis.

The two government heads insisted on the implementation "without delay" of the Lisbon Treaty which reforms the EU to ensure the bloc functions efficiently.

The cabinet meeting was the third between the two countries, previously held in Vienna in 2005 and Budapest in 2007.